Alumni

From the Field to the Classroom: How Derek Hernandez-Martinez Found His Path

Domingo (“Derek”) Hernandez-Martinez ’23 came to William Peace University with one clear goal: to run for the cross country team. But running would turn out to be only the beginning of his path at Peace – a path that saw him grow as a dedicated researcher and discover a passion for education that would shape his future.

June 29, 2026
AlumniCareer PreparationCommunity

BJ Davis: The Power of Saying Yes

As a non-traditional student, BJ Davis '10 brought clear passion to Peace. Her studies provided the intellectual framework to transform her local leadership work into a global enterprise.

June 16, 2026
AlumniCareer PreparationCommunity

New William Peace University Scholarship Honors Lopez-Sansotta Family

Thanks to the generosity of Roc Sansotta and Amira Lopez-Sansotta, William Peace University has established a new scholarship to support students in pursuit of their educational dreams. The Roc and Amira Lopez-Sansotta Endowed Scholarship was inspired by the late Roc’s deep belief in hard work, faith, and expanding opportunities for young people — values shaped both by his own life journey and by his family’s connection to Peace. Roc, a self-made real estate entrepreneur and founder of Cove Realty in the Outer Banks, did not have the opportunity to graduate from college himself. But he took great pride in seeing his stepdaughter Jessica Coscia ’01 earn her degree from Peace, then known as Peace College. Throughout his career, Roc informally mentored aspiring professionals, often funding real estate classes and licensing fees to help young people enter the field. “He didn’t have that kind of support,” Coscia said. “So he wanted to give back in that way.” After Roc’s unexpected passing on Valentine’s Day last year, the family began searching for a meaningful way to honor his memory. Creating a scholarship at Peace felt like a natural extension of both his values and his love for the University community. A Deep…

February 14, 2026
AlumniCareer PreparationCommunity